The Wetfoot Blog

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Mike Marches On

Mike likes to share. Here are some tidbits and photos from his travels.

“The Erie Canal played an important part in the early commerce of the nation. The movement of goods and information along this route was a key part of the industrialization of the Northeast. With all that history, I knew I should see it for myself when I was out in western New York.

Today, it is a bit run down and in disuse. Long gone are the sounds of industry and the mule teams hauling barges. Most of the canal now is quiet, surrounded by sleepy towns and a minor part of the pastoral landscape. However, the canal is slowly being restored. There are now miles of bike and hiking paths along its banks as well as places for picnicing and parking. I guess it is still playing a part in the transportation and leisure in that part of the country. Plus, local farmers use many of the canals ‘tributaries’ for irrigation. It is not much of a tourist destination, though.”

Sign of the Times - the Canal's new uses

“If you could not tell, the years have not been too kind to me recently. The paint is starting to run and I have lost my arms and legs (ironic since I was the Lost-and-Found Guy for so many years). I need ‘some work done.’ I thought, where better to go for my elective procedure than the famed Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN? I had already been through Rochester and had seen the Clinic once before, so I was comfortable with my choice. I met with the doctor and was placed on the schedule. I was treated well and they took great care of me there. And, I feel the results speak for themselves.”

2 comments:

Mike,It is a shame to see that you visited the Erie canal in the winter when all the water is drained out. My experiences as a camper helped me get my first job 20 years ago renting and selling canoes and kayaks on the Erie canal in Pittsford, NY.

The canal is one of the best places in the country for a leisurly paddle. There are hundreds of miles to explore, no white water and only a little current. You can paddle all the way from Buffalo to New York City.